This is a wag but I don't think anybody said the 7 was the flagship it's just different |
Lol, Mattnshlip,
Don't fret too much over the individual levels and numbers. As I tell customers, there are NO wrong decisions with LampizatOr, but its a custom company, so its your opportunity to do things exactly how you want.
I owned one of the first Big 6 DACs in the US as a customer and, now that I've taken over as co-distributor I'm typing this as a Big 7 makes beautiful music in the background...
The Big 6 is a fantastic DAC and feedback has been universally positive, but the Big 7 is significantly my preference.
Lukasz loves those R2R DACs and I'm sure others out there feel the same, but I honestly feel the Level 7 is more than deserving of it's higher ranking. |
I thought I read somewhere that Lampizator considered the Big 7 their flagship. Apologies
I'm interested in straight red book/iTunes sourced music from my Mac mini.
And the unit needs to fit onto my 18" x 18" shelf with 8" of height - how's that for a stupid requirement. Lol.
Is Big6 "better" then standard 6? |
Lukasz slightly likes the sound of the big single box vs two boxes when I asked him at this past CES. |
I share Lukasz's bias regarding R2R chips. I have had the thought of putting the 6 chipset in the 7 along with separate DSD functionality. Redbook and DSD are the only digital file types that hold my interest at this point.... |
Those running your Lampi with a computer right into the Lampi using USB are missing out on a significant improvement in sound quality by using the latest Offramp 5 and Dynamo power supply. I have compared both out of a Mac Mini and it is not even close. The improvement is shocking and must be heard to be believed. You will need both the OR5 and Dynamo power supply together for this level of improvement. No, they are not cheap. But if you guys really want to hear what your Lampi is capable of, then this will do it.
I have posted this several times and cannot overstate it's reality. The DAC's quality is very important in the whole digital equation, but dealing with jitter and noise before the DAC is MORE important in computer based audio. That is the simple truth.
If you have not run both the OR5 and Dynamo power supply and used the SPDIF input on your Lampi, you must try this before being rasing a "no way" objection. Way! |
I already have a deposit in on an Empirical OverDrive SE DAC audition. If I decide that I like another DAC better, then I will return the OverDrive SE (Which does have quite an excellent reputation and I am excited to hear it) and likely audition an Off Ramp as I think it will improve almost any DAC out there (other then the OverDrive SE, which already has an offramp inside it).
I spoke with the guys at Jeff Rowland and they openly admitted that if the source is USB, the best sound from their Aeris would come from a top tier external USB to spdif converter over using their built in USB. I respect that type of honesty! |
If you use a non-audiophile grade transport (a.k.a. computer), then something like an offramp is prudent. Another affordable option is the l-fi product's from AMR. |
Andrew,
That seems sensible.
Mattn,
You may consider getting a Fikus Transport (Squeezebox based) and connecting it via ethernet, rather than wifi. |
Lampi DSD:
Bruce Brown was vary favourable with the prototype in his Mojo review a few months ago.
See what he says about the upgraded Duelund/Balanced version here:
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?14676-Lampizator-DSD-DAC&p=266858#post266858
Also it seems that a L4G4 review is coming out soon in PFO magazine and the teaser is fascinating. |
IS PFO Positive Feedback? |
If you use a non-audiophile grade transport (a.k.a. computer), then something like an offramp is prudent. Another affordable option is the l-fi product's from AMR. Huh? Is a computer not simply another method of processing a digital signal, not unlike a CD/DVD disc player, or any number of transports available. What distinguishes an "audiophile grade transport" from a computer or another type of "non-audiophile grade transport?" Is it the case, the brand name, the price, the market audience? Who is the judge that decides whether certain gear is "audiophile grade," or not? Some transports are going to sound better, based on design and implementation but at what point do they cross the threshold and become "audiophile grade?" My SS drive Mac mini always sounded good but, adding the Mojo Audio filter, linear PS, outboard AV drive, and cables took the performance to a level beyond my $7K disc player, IMO. Does this still fall short of being "audiophile grade?" |
My SS drive Mac mini always sounded good but, adding the Mojo Audio filter, linear PS, outboard AV drive, and cables took the performance to a level beyond my $7K disc player, IMO. Does this still fall short of being "audiophile grade?" depends on who you talk to. Adding Mojo trinkets (or any other modder du jour) is undoubtedly efficacious. You are still building a server around a non-audio device that is jittery and noisy, thus the creation of things like the Offramp. Only one way to find out what is missing. The new one box Sony digital spinner has some promise as does the Auralic Aries and points to where things are going: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=125606.msg1329696#new http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=123436.0 |
Thanks for the links.
I would be interested in discussing but do not want to sidetrack this Lampizator thread. |
I would be interested in discussing but do not want to sidetrack this Lampizator thread. Agreed. It is an interesting topic and worth researching as things evolve at a high rate of speed (just like computers....) |
Hi All,
For those of you planning on attending the upcoming show in Newport Beach I wanted to remind you to come pay us a visit in room 829 of the Hilton Hotel where we will be partnered with Gingko Audio, Danacables and Wells Audio and are expecting to have a great room assembled with these top notch show partners.
We will be showing our LampizatOr Big 7 DAC complete with EML 45 tubes along with our TranspOrt. We are also making arrangements to have a presentation of DSD through the Big 7 which should be breath taking!
We will also be donating a free Amber DAC (not otherwise offered for sale in the US) as part of the give away.
Fred |
That's kool Fred. I have heard good things about Wells and was looking at their amps in the not too distant past. Speakers? |
So many Lampi 4/4's for sale over the past months and currently. Is everyone trading up? It is really quite startling how many show up for sale based on how many have been sold here in the states.
Great unit for sure and perhaps most are looking to go up the line!? |
Bill,
Most of them are moving up the line. I don't think you should rush to upgrade since Level 8 may be around the corner. |
Though I do wish owners would stagger their sales a little better to avoid the appearance that the brand is being dumped, I am proud to inform that most sales are guys moving up the chain.
We had just had one gentleman order a Level 7 after spending just 1 week with his brand new Level 4. :) |
There really is something to this Lampy obsession. They are wonderful DAC's!! I received my Big6 today and it's sound is simply breathtaking!
I don't want to hijack this thread. So....
For those interested in reading my comparison of:
Lampy Big6
PS Audio DirectStream
Jeff Rowland Aeris
Empirical Audio OverDrive SE
Possibly an Aesthetix Pandora Signature
Please :
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&&&/Absolute-top-tier-DAC-for-standard-res-R
It's a fun read and a fun experience!
Regards. |
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I went there and there is no comparison yet? Am I right? |
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can someone help me? i have the lampi transport, but would like to use ethernet instead of wifi. Cant seem to make it work |
You must do a factory reset of both the transport and the duet remote. Follow the normal steps for initial squeezebox duet setup from there. |
Level 8? Hmm, I'd prefer a Multichannel Lampi first. :) |
Thanks Gopher
Is there better sound quality going hard wired vs wireless. When I bought my transport the wireless option was promoted as the best sounding , but recently I have read a few people have chosen wired option. |
Anyone with any big 7 feedback yet? |
Leicachamp, I used a French wireless DAC for a long time and according to the manufacturer, wireless is superior.... |
Leicachamp,
I found little difference between a cat 5 wired transport and a wireless one. That said, I started using CAT6 from mono price on my computer and transport and this is the best I have heard it.
Wisnon,
The Big 7 is THAT good, but I'll allow someone who isn't biased to report specifics. I did get a teaser of a review between the Big 6 and Big 7 overseas this morning... should be a great read when its released. |
Leicachamp, I used a French wireless DAC for a long time and according to the manufacturer, wireless is superior.... Interesting! This is the 1st time I hear wireless is superior to wired. |
L4 review at PFO
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue73/lampizator.htm |
L7 review:
http://hifipig.com/lampizator-level-7-dac/ |
Anyone have a Lampi with the Volume control??- Curious as to how it would compare to a hi-end Preamp- If it works then it would simplify a system but do not see how it best a hi end preamp- Please let me know your thoughts- thanks T |
I have a Lampi Big5 with VC, I sold my Coincident Speaker Tech Statement Line Stage, and like the sound I'm getting straight to my TRL Samson's |
Bruce, what about a Dude in your future:) |
I don't need one, you need to hear the Big5 straight to the amps, it is so much better then the 4 |
Bruce,
Glad you posted this as I'm getting ready to order a TRL Samson for one of my own rigs to be driven by a Big 7 w/ VC.
FWIW, a good friend of mine sold his DUDE last week in favor of running his Big 7 direct to TRL amp... |
The Coincident Statement and the TRL DUDE are very highly regarded tube line stages.I personally have yet to hear a DAC with VC direct to amplifier sound better than high quality preamplifiers (especially long term). I do acknowledge that we as individuals do hear things quite differently, thus the many choices available in the marketplace. Congratulations Abruce and enjoy!
Charles, |
Ok, coming up with the Dude for a shootout! I need to hear to believe. Lets do it! |
06-18-14: Fluffers
Anyone have a Lampi with the Volume control??- Curious as to how it would compare to a hi-end Preamp- If it works then it would simplify a system but do not see how it best a hi end preamp- Please let me know your thoughts- thanks T I demo L4 w/volume several years ago and prefer going through a Shindo pre. It all depends on the quality of your pre. |
Congrats to you Abruce. Hearing is indeed believing. This should be very interesting.... |
Got my two box level7 last night. Too bad that I can't use it yet as I don't have a speaker. Waiting for Lou to finish the Daedalus Athena. Couple of more weeks I guess.
I sold my preamp to fund my recent acquisitions (TRL ST100 amp). I exchanged some messages on audiocircle with a member who sold his Coincident line stage as he felt his lamp level5 with VC is better. Good thing is that my level7 has a remote volume control. If it's really as good as the feedbacks I've received, I wouldn't need a preamp anymore. :D
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Ok Bruce we will set this up. |
Shootouts are fun but really don't "prove" anything.Bruce's impression may nod toward direct approach and Bill hears improvement with a preamp added to the chain. Ultimately only confirming personal taste, still fun to do however with both listeners present together
Charles, . |
Radiohead99 Great score with the Athena's and the 2 box 7. The Athena were my first choice until i accidentally bought another set of speakers.
I think its a great idea to order a dac with volume. It's a pretty cheap option to try and then if it's not better then you can alway use it just as a dac. My L4 had volume and my Big 7 does not. I have been preferring a separate pre. I have recently used a Shindo and now using a Lampizator L5 pre. After getting the Lampizator pre dialed in with a new set of Mullard tubes I have not found the need to go back to the Shindo. And i love the Shindo. Doesn't make sense that adding a whole other component would make the sound better, but to me it does. |
To me passive preamps bring a different perspective in sound. They sound leaner in over all presentation. I can understand why people like this because they think they are getting more resolution. I feel I can get more towards the sound of live music with an active preamp. Yes there are active preamps too that can give you a leaner balance, but my experience has a whole is what I'm talking about. |
